Rep. Kim Coates

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Louisiana Legislature to the family and friends of Arwin Patrick Bascle upon her passing. It also honors her life, legacy, and contributions to the political fabric of Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 638 establishes new agricultural conversion fees for large-scale solar development. This bill directly affects developers who plan to build solar farms on land previously used for agriculture, requiring them to pay these fees. An amendment specifies that these funds would be directed to the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority.

Maddy summaryHB 637 authorizes the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to impose habitat conversion fees on large-scale solar power generation facilities. These fees apply to facilities with a footprint of ten acres or more, aiming to mitigate the loss of important wildlife habitats and species. The department will establish rules for calculating a per-acre fee, considering factors like habitat rarity, quality, and the presence of at-risk species. Funds collected will be deposited into the Conservation Fund and used specifically for protecting, replacing, or mitigating habitat loss caused by these solar developments.

Maddy summaryHR 103 is a resolution expressing the House of Representatives' condolences on the death of James "Jim" David Bailey, Jr. It acknowledges his contributions as an agriculture teacher, volunteer firefighter, and former member of the Tangipahoa Parish Council.

Maddy summaryHB 102 expands the Louisiana Products Liability Act to include digital products, meaning producers of these products could be held liable under the Act. This change aims to provide legal recourse for consumers regarding defects in digital products. The core provisions of the Act will become effective on August 1, 2026. Prior to this, the Louisiana State Law Institute is directed to study the expected impact on existing laws and recommend solutions for any discrepancies by March 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHCR 19 is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences on the death of former state representative Billy Wayne "Coach" Montgomery, acknowledging his contributions as an educator, coach, and public servant.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Southeastern Louisiana University on the occasion of its centennial anniversary. It recognizes the institution's historical contributions and its ongoing impact on the state of Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 449 addresses regulations concerning the fees that attorneys reasonably expect to earn, directly affecting attorneys and their clients. An amendment to the bill clarifies that its provisions are not considered a violation of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. Another amendment removed a provision for penalties from the bill's scope. The specific details of how it provides relative to these fees are not detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 427, titled "CIVIL/PROCEDURE: Provides for a reversionary trust," establishes provisions related to the administration of a reversionary medical trust. The bill clarifies that the trust is intended to authorize payments for medical claims and related benefits. It mandates that the trustee managing this medical trust must provide an annual accounting to the claimant, detailing all payments made on their behalf for medical care and related benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 443 amends civil procedure related to notifications in "delictual actions," which are civil lawsuits involving harm or damage. The bill requires a plaintiff's attorney to notify the defendant in writing if the defendant has insurance that may cover a portion of the damages. This notification must be provided within twenty business days of the plaintiff's counsel being retained. This new requirement affects plaintiffs' attorneys by adding a specific notification duty and defendants by ensuring they are informed about their potential insurance coverage early in the legal process.